Man biking across the country to raise awareness for animal shelters

Minnick has traveled over 18 thousand miles with Bixby by his side. (Source: WECT)

NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WECT) -

Mike Minnick and his dog Bixby made a stop at the New Hanover County Animal Shelter Tuesday as part of their cross-country bicycle tour to visit shelters across the country.

Minnick began biking three years ago, and has since traveled more than 18,000 miles.

"I hadn't really ridden a bike since high school, I was a chain smoker, I'm the last guy to ride a bicycle. But as I had my doubts Bixby looked at me and said dreams are like sticks you just have to chase them," Minnick said about the journey he didn't expect to take..

Bixby rides on the back of Minnick's bike, occasionally donning a superhero costume. Minnick said they always draw a crowd wherever they go.

From Wilmington, Minnick is heading south for the winter. He's hoping to break the Guinness World Record for longest bike trip and plans to head to California next.